Another Thursday, another cracking meeting at Pakenham! With the Future Stars Maiden Series in full swing, who will stand up and qualify for the $300,000 final?
Pakenham Race 5
#5 Hughes
Hughes saw more dead ends than a one-way street at his latest outing. He was brilliant on debut at Wangaratta, and I am sure the camp is keen to make amends for the second-up horror show. From barrier four, he should get the run of the race, and with even luck, I expect him to be in the finish.
Kermy fought on bravely last start. He should find the lead from a middle gate, and he will look the winner halfway down the home straight. The apprentice claim is advantageous, and if he is left to his own devices on top of the speed, he may prove hard to run down.
Despite drawing off the track, Girello will be there when the whips are cracking. The Reward For Effort gelding is rock hard fit, and his record at the distance must be respected. He will always need luck with his pattern of racing.
Suggested Bet: Hughes @ $2.40
Pakenham RACE 6
#8 Von Hauke
Von Hauke looks incredibly hard to beat. He is knocking on the door and should get every chance to break his maiden from an inside draw. Jamie Kah stays with the Savabeel colt, and I expect him to be in the finish with a place in the $300,000 final on the line. Watch for the big boy late!
Innerbloom is racing well without winning. She flew from the clouds last start at Stony Creek, and she can figure here with the good run in transit. 1400m is ideal for this preparation stage, and the inside barrier will allow her to sit closer to the speed.
Foxhow looks poised to strike second-up. He produced an eye-catching run fresh at the track and seemed well-placed in this event. If he can reproduce his massive turn of foot, he will be in the finish. Being drawn in the carpark is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Von Hauke @ $1.95
Pakenham Race 7
#7 Deep Speed
Deep Speed is facing D-Day. He has promised the world and delivered an atlas this preparation. He is always thereabouts, and I expect him to get every chance possible to return to the winner’s enclosure on Thursday. From barrier one, he can sit closer to the speed, and if the gaps appear at the right time, he may be hard to hold out.
So Risque will start favourite after a luckless run at Moonee Valley. He doesn’t win out of turn. However, he looks well-placed in this field. The So You Think gelding is ultra-consistent, and his record at the distance must be respected.
Skiddaw can run well here fresh at a reasonable price. He usually runs well first up and looks dangerous from an inside draw. His trial leading into this event was teasing, and the drop in grades is significant.
Suggested Bet: Deep Speed @ $9.50
Pakenham Race 8
#11 Aperitivo
Aperitivo looks well placed, dropping back to Benchmark 64 level. She should be rock hard fit after a lengthy preparation, and she seems like the likely leader. If she can find the front from the wide barrier without using too much petrol, I expect her to be fighting out the finish. Her next win is just around the corner.
She’s Notorious will start favourite after a winning and consistent preparation to date. The Street Boss mare looks incredibly hard to beat from barrier one and has plenty of upsides. She can figure in the finish again with even luck.
Farhh Flung will have plenty of supporters after an impressive campaign. He strips fitter here, and I expect a peak run third-up from a spell. From a middle gate, he will drift back before having the last crack at his rivals. He needs to convert consistent runs into winning performances.
Suggested Bet: Aperitivo @ $7.50
